When people think of the world’s wealthiest football players, names like Messi and Ronaldo immediately come to mind. But the title of the richest player belongs to someone whose fortune wasn’t made on the pitch.
Meet Faiq Bolkiah, a professional footballer with a staggering family net worth estimated at $20 billion.
His immense wealth comes from his royal lineage in Brunei, not from football salaries or endorsements. His father is Prince Jefri Bolkiah, and his uncle is Hassanal Bolkiah, the current Sultan of Brunei. This guide will break down the incredible story behind Faiq Bolkiah net worth and explore his life as a royal heir pursuing a football career, a path that sets him apart from stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
This is a story where royal riches and sporting dreams collide.
Who is Faiq Bolkiah?
Faiq Bolkiah is a professional football player and a member of the Brunei royal family. While he has played for several clubs in Europe and Asia, he is most famous for his connection to one of the wealthiest monarchies in the world.
Biography of Faiq Bolkiah
Faiq Jefri Bolkiah was born in Los Angeles, California, on May 9, 1998, giving him dual citizenship in the United States and Brunei Darussalam. He discovered his passion for football after moving to England for his education. His dedication to the sport was clear from a young age as he joined the youth systems of several prestigious English clubs.
Here is a quick look at his key biographical details.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Faiq Jefri Bolkiah |
| Date of Birth | May 9, 1998 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | Bruneian, American |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Playing Position | Winger |
| Current Club | Ratchaburi F.C. |
Family Background
Faiq’s incredible wealth stems from his royal bloodline. His uncle, Hassanal Bolkiah, is the Sultan of Brunei, and his personal net worth is estimated to be between $30 billion and $50 billion as of 2025, largely due to Brunei’s vast oil and gas reserves.
His father, Prince Jefri Bolkiah, is known for a lifestyle of legendary extravagance. During his time as Brunei’s finance minister, he reportedly spent an average of $747,000 a day. In a 2000 court case, it was revealed his spending over a decade reached at least $2.75 billion. His purchases included luxury hotels like the New York Palace Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, a private Boeing 747, and even a yacht infamously named ‘Tits’ with tenders called ‘Nipple 1’ and ‘Nipple 2’.
Faiq Bolkiah’s Football Career
Despite his immense family fortune, Faiq Bolkiah has genuinely pursued a professional football career. His journey has taken him from top English youth academies to professional leagues in Portugal and Thailand, showing a true dedication to the sport.
Early Career: Newbury, Southampton, Arsenal
Faiq’s football journey began in England at AFC Newbury before he joined the renowned Southampton academy in 2009. This was a significant step, placing him in one of the UK’s top development systems. By 2013, he was talented enough to trial with Arsenal, where he even competed in the Lion City Cup and scored a goal. This period was crucial for building his foundational skills, following a path similar to other young talents like Kylian Mbappé and Zlatan Ibrahimovic who aimed high from a young age.
Professional Stints: Chelsea, Leicester, Maritimo
In 2014, Faiq signed a two-year youth contract with Chelsea, another top-tier English club. After his contract expired, he moved to Leicester City in 2016, where he signed his first multi-year professional contract. Although he never made a senior appearance for Leicester, this period marked his transition into the professional ranks.
In 2020, he sought more playing time and moved to Maritimo in Portugal’s top league on a free transfer. However, after struggling to break into the first team, his contract was terminated in late 2021. Since then, he has played for Chonburi and his current club, Ratchaburi F.C., in the Thai League 1.
Role in Brunei National Team
Faiq has been a proud representative of his country on the international stage. He has played for Brunei’s youth teams and captained the senior national team. As a winger, he is known for his speed and skill on the ball.
For his country, Faiq has earned 6 official senior caps and scored 1 goal.
His commitment to the national team has made him a role model for aspiring young players in Brunei, proving that his passion for the game is genuine.
What Is the Faiq Bolkiah Net Worth and Wealth?
The Faiq Bolkiah net worth is estimated at $20 billion, making him the richest football player in the world by a massive margin. This wealth is almost entirely derived from his family’s royal fortune, not his earnings as an athlete.
Faiq Bolkiah Net Worth Over Time
Faiq Bolkiah net worth is tied to his status as an heir to the Brunei royal family’s fortune. Because this is inherited wealth rather than income that fluctuates with market conditions, the estimate has remained consistent over the years.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $20 Billion |
| 2024 | $20 Billion |
| 2023 | $20 Billion |
| 2022 | $20 Billion |
| 2021 | $20 Billion |
This figure places him far ahead of football superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose combined wealth is less than a tenth of his.
Sources of Wealth
The primary source of Faiq’s wealth is Brunei’s oil and gas reserves, which the royal family controls. His uncle, the Sultan, personally oversees these national resources, which have funded the family’s incredible lifestyle for decades.
In stark contrast, Faiq’s personal income from football is quite modest. During his time in Thailand, his salary has been reported to be around $1,000 per week, a figure dwarfed by his family’s assets. This unique situation highlights that he plays football out of passion, not for financial gain.
Lifestyle of the Richest Footballer
With access to nearly limitless resources, Faiq Bolkiah’s lifestyle is unlike any other footballer’s. It’s a world defined by palaces, rare cars, and unparalleled luxury that is funded by his family’s vast fortune.
Properties and Real Estate
While Faiq may live modestly while playing professionally, his family’s properties are anything but. The official royal residence is the Istana Nurul Iman palace in Brunei, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest residential palace.
The palace is a monumental structure that serves as both a home and the seat of government.
- It spans over 2 million square feet (200,000 sq meters).
- It contains 1,788 rooms and 257 bathrooms.
- It features a banquet hall for 5,000 guests and a mosque for 1,500 worshippers.
- The palace also includes five swimming pools and an air-conditioned stable for 200 polo ponies.
Luxury Cars and Assets
The Brunei royal family’s car collection is the largest and most valuable private collection in the world, estimated to contain around 7,000 vehicles worth over $5 billion. The Sultan holds the Guinness World Record for the largest private Rolls-Royce collection, with over 600 cars.
The collection also includes hundreds of other rare and custom vehicles:
- Ferraris: Over 450, including custom-built models like the Ferrari 456 GT Venice.
- Bentleys: Over 380 cars.
- McLaren F1s: The family reportedly purchased 10 of the original 106 cars ever made.
This astonishing collection symbolizes the sheer scale of a fortune built over generations.
Comparison with Other Top Footballers
Faiq Bolkiah’s financial standing creates a unique comparison with football’s highest earners. While players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have built enormous fortunes through their talent and brand, their wealth operates on a completely different scale than Bolkiah’s inherited riches.
Financial Comparison with Messi and Ronaldo
The difference between Faiq Bolkiah and other top footballers is not just the amount of wealth, but its source. Messi and Ronaldo are self-made multimillionaires who earn their fortunes through salaries and massive endorsement deals with global brands like Adidas and Nike.
Here’s a direct comparison based on 2025 estimates:
| Player | Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Primary Source of Wealth |
|---|---|---|
| Faiq Bolkiah | $20 Billion | Family Inheritance |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | $1.2 Billion | Football Salary & Endorsements |
| Lionel Messi | $850 Million | Football Salary & Endorsements |
According to Forbes, Cristiano Ronaldo was the highest-paid athlete in 2025 with earnings of $275 million. Lionel Messi’s net worth is estimated to be around $850 million as of 2025. Even with these incredible figures, their combined wealth doesn’t come close to Bolkiah’s family fortune, illustrating the vast difference between earned income and dynastic wealth.
Faiq Bolkiah’s Influence and Future Prospects
Faiq Bolkiah net worth story offers a fascinating look at the intersection of royalty, wealth, and professional sports. His journey continues to draw attention, and his future could take him in many different directions both on and off the pitch.
Impact in Football and Beyond
Despite his wealth, those who have worked with Faiq praise his dedication and work ethic. Former teammates and coaches have noted his professionalism and commitment to training, proving he is not just a novelty. His choice to pursue a challenging career in football when he could have lived a life of leisure has inspired many young athletes around the world.
He demonstrates that passion and personal ambition can be powerful motivators, regardless of one’s background.
Future in Sport and Business
Currently playing for Ratchaburi F.C. in Thailand, Faiq continues to build his professional career. His presence brings significant media attention to the club and the league, potentially opening up new commercial opportunities.
Looking ahead, his family connections and immense wealth could lead him toward ventures beyond playing. It is easy to imagine him following a path similar to David Beckham by investing in a club or league. Whether he continues as a player, transitions into a business role, or focuses on philanthropy, his journey will be one to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Faiq Bolkiah
Why is Faiq Bolkiah so rich?
Faiq Bolkiah is incredibly rich because he is a member of the Brunei royal family. His uncle, Hassanal Bolkiah, is the Sultan of Brunei, a nation with immense wealth from its oil and gas reserves. Faiq’s estimated $20 billion net worth is from his family’s fortune, not his football career.
Who is the richest soccer player in the world?
Faiq Bolkiah is the richest soccer player in the world, with an estimated family net worth of $20 billion. This places him far ahead of other wealthy players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, whose fortunes are primarily earned through salaries and endorsements.
Who is the 20 billion dollar football player?
The 20 billion dollar football player is Faiq Bolkiah. He is a professional footballer and the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei. His staggering net worth is due to his royal inheritance.
Takeaways
The story of the Faiq Bolkiah net worth is a unique tale of immense privilege and personal ambition. With a family fortune of $20 billion, he is by far the wealthiest footballer on the planet.
Yet, he has chosen to pursue his own dream on the football pitch.
His journey is a powerful reminder that wealth and legacy are complex. While his name is tied to unimaginable riches, his career is defined by a personal love for the game, separating him from every other player in the sport.
